AU2005262505B2

AU2005262505B2 - Methods for controlling molluscs

Info

Publication number: AU2005262505B2
Application number: AU2005262505A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Nigel Grech
Original assignee: Verdesian Life Sciences US LLC
Current assignee: Verdesian Life Sciences US LLC
Priority date: 2004-06-18
Filing date: 2005-06-08
Publication date: 2011-05-19
Anticipated expiration: 2025-06-08
Also published as: US8354118B2; WO2006007353A1; EP1755383B1; MXPA06014852A; US7566461B2; TWI375517B; TWI366440B; EP1755383A4; TW201138639A; TW200601976A; AU2005262505A1; BRPI0511316A; AU2011202278A1; AU2011202278B2; US20050281854A1; EP1755383A1; CA2569813A1; ZA200610398B; US20090274646A1; NZ552245A

Description

WO 2006/007353 PCT/US2005/020352 Methods for Controlling Molluscs Background of the Invention The present invention relates to methods and materials for killing molluscs by exposing them (either by ingestion and or skin contact) to an effective amount of a 5 molluscacide made of structural carbohydrates such as plant derived celluloses, hemi celluloses and lingo-celluloses. Field of the Invention Numerous products are available for controlling molluscs such as slugs and snails. The majority of them rely on metabolic poisons for their effect. Although effective, an 10 undesirable consequence of their inherent toxicity is the possibility of non-target toxicity. Indeed every year in the United States pets, wildlife and children are unfortunately exposed to these poisons. Such products usually employ an inert substance combined with a metabolic poison. Traditional approaches to mollusc control rely heavily on toxic chemicals such as methiocarb is and metaldehyde. Molluscicide formulations based on these two materials constitute the vast majority of control methods for molluscs globally. High toxicity is inherent in their composition and non-target species effects are very serious. Thus, products containing a toxicant (i.e., a poisonous additive or chemical such as methiocarb and metaldehyde) may only be used in carefully selected areas to avoid contaminating food supplies, water supplies, 20 domestic animals and people. Conventional molluscicides are undesirable because other animals such as birds, mammals and reptiles feeding on these products (or indeed feeding on the poisoned mollusks), may also die from these toxic products. Dogs are particularly susceptible to certain chemical molluscacides such as metaldehyde. Chemically based molluscacides may also have

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WO 2006/007353 PCT/US2005/020352 a major impact on beneficial organisms found in the same ecological niches as slugs and snails, such as earthworms and insects. Concerns of this sort have led to the withdrawal of some molluscacides such as methiocarb from the California market. As with many other areas of pesticide research there is a continued endeavor to 5 discover new technologies that are safer to non-target species and the environment. Some of these are based on simple metal salts and/or enhancing agents. In addition, compounds to increase the repellency of toxic molluscacides to non-target species such as dog, cats and humans, are routinely used. Previously it has been discovered that certain carbohydrates from certain plants may 10 be used to control rodents and insects, as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,136,340 and 6,682,755. The present invention describes the lethal effect of these materials on molluscs, a new and previously unknown effect. Summary of the Invention The present invention relates to the discovery that structural plant carbohydrates can 15 kill molluscs when administered to them, preferably by ingestion. Plant structural carbohydrates are mainly composed of celluloses, ligno-cellulose complexes and/or hemi celluloses. Such plant derived structural carbohydrates include, for example, but are not limited to corn cob, hay, straw, seed husks, seed chaff, spent grain, bagasse, sugar beet pulp, coconut coir fiber, sisal fiber, hemp, coconut shells, peanut shells, cotton fibers, rice hulls, 20 plant stalks, and other plant fibers in various forms but not limited to crushed, milled, powdered, granulated and pelletized preparations. Important in the mechanism of action for the invention described herein is the encouragement of continued feeding in the target mollusc pest (the purpose of the attractant). The result of this continued feeding over several days will be to prevent normal gut function 2 WO 2006/007353 PCT/US2005/020352 such as the absorption of digested food components from the mollusc gut, osmoregulation, and normal water retention. The interruption of these necessary bodily functions eventually results in death of the mollusc. In one embodiment of the invention, the structural carbohydrate (SC) material is rich 5 in cellulose and/or hemi-celluloses and/or lignin and used for controlling molluscs without using a conventional toxic component. The material preferentially includes an active ingredient and an attractant/binder. The molluscs receive no nourishment from the structural carbohydrates. Their metabolism is disrupted and dehydration occurs. Additionally the invention described herein induces massive intestinal dysfunction leading to the impairment 10 of normal mollusc digestive tract absorption and osmoregulation. Water loss from the gut is exacerbated by this invention due to its tendency to be extremely hydrophilic and absorb many times its own mass in water. Additional disruptive physiological effects caused by the ingestion of compositions according to the invention include without limitation reduced food intake, bleaching, reduced feces production, reduced movement, weight loss, increased 15 dormancy, reduced reproductive activity and increased mortality. Contact between the structural carbohydrates and the external surfaces of the mollusc causes water loss from the mollusc tissues. Sufficient exposure can result in dehydration and death of the mollusc. Examples of formulae for the product include the following: 20 Material Percentage Purpose Structural carbohydrates 10-99% Active Ingredient Molasses 1-25% Attractant/Binder Plant oils 0.001-5 % Attractant Polymers 0.01-3 Anti weathering agent 25 Acid/base 0.1-0.5% pH stabilizer 3 WO 2006/007353 PCT/US2005/020352 Examples of structural carbohydrates include plant derived materials such as but not limited to: corn cob, cereal stalks, cereal seed husks and hulls, nut shells, cereal seed chaff, legume seed pods, peanut shells, plant fiber (e.g., cotton and wood), sugar beet and sugar cane bagasse, hops, sisal fiber, bran, beet pulp, hay, and straw hemp, among others. S Synthetically produced structural carbohydrates may also be used. Molasses is used as an attractant/binder because, as with other attractants, it also provides binding capability. For example, cane molasses is used extensively in the baking industry as a shortening agent. It improves the flavor, provides cohesion and improves the "texture" of the foodstuff. Thus, molasses or other similar materials may be used as agents to 10 improve the consistency, cohesiveness, and texture of the preferred molluscacide, as well as to improve the palatability of the invention to molluscs. Examples of plant oils include fats and oils, such as peanut oil, soybean oil, cottonseed oil, corn oil, vegetable oil, coconut oil, lard, tallow, nut butter (e.g., peanut). Oils are used extensively as shortening; in salad oils, livestock feed, soaps, paints and lubricants. 15 Proteins can also be used as attractants, for example dried milk. Glutens are proteins derived from grains; used in the preparation of foods, especially cereals; used in cattle feed and in making adhesives. The purpose of the oils, fats, proteins and/or glutens is to act as an attractant, i.e., a substance used to attract pests such as molluscs to the bait. The purpose of the attractant is to overcome "bait shyness" and encourage the consumption of the 20 molluscacide by the molluscs. Some simple sugars, complex carbohydrates, and proteins that may be used include: maple sugar, beet molasses, cottonseed meal, cane molasses, cane syrup, honey, corn syrup, bone meal, malt sugar and beer/ales, among others. Cane molasses is used extensively in baked goods and candies and is a major raw material for livestock feed and as a binder. Cane syrup and corn syrup are used extensively in 4 WO 2006/007353 PCT/US2005/020352 baked goods and candies as binders. High protein products such as milk and blood products can be used to enhance the attractiveness of the bait to the various species of molluscs. Using corn as an example, the corn plant is actually a grass and the kernels themselves are grains. The fiber in corn seed structures is mostly insoluble; yet, in oats and barley (which S are also cereals, as is corn) seed structures, the fiber that is mostly soluble. Fiber found in the stalks of all cereals is largely insoluble. The fiber in corn seed structures passes through the gastrointestinal tract of non-ruminants largely unchanged, whereas the fiber in oats and bran are digested. The solubility of the structural carbohydrate component of the grain used in the invention can affect efficacy. In one form of the invention, the material will not dissolve in 10 water. Many factors affect the efficacy of products used to control pests. Optimization of the attractiveness/palatability of the bait is critical in mollusc control. In this invention, continued feeding over a few days is all that is required to achieve optimal mollusc control. The preferred embodiment of the invention comprises pellets formed of crushed corncobs, and a mollusc attractant such as molasses that also functions as a binder. 15 Advantages of the invention are that the product can be safely used indoors, outdoors, in the home, around food and in the fields without fear of non-target toxicity. Application is possible by aerial vehicles such as airplanes and helicopters as well as conventional ground application technologies. The product can be dispensed by hand without fear of toxic chemical exposure. It is completely non-toxic to other animals, such as birds, cats, dogs, or 20 reptiles that might eat a mollusc killed by the product. The product will not contaminate a drinking water supply, will not harm fish, birds or wild life, will not cause any harmful effects if swallowed or absorbed through the skin, will not harm children or pets, and can be safely eaten by domestic animals and livestock. In the preferred form of the invention, the product is applied as a pellet. 5 Cereal grains are generally milled to separate the floury endosperm from the bran and germ. The milled grain is then rolled to extract the oil from the germ. The remaining product is a non-nutritional by-product known in the industry as "spent grain". The spent grain is then passed through a drying process and aerated to achieve a moisture content ranging from about 5 1-10% (and preferentially about 7%-9%). The cellulose in a workable size particle is then mixed with the aforementioned attractant and binding substance and used as is, or pelletized to ranges of about 1/8-inch (3 mm) to about 3/8-inch (9 mm) in diameter. The product is dried to a moisture level of preferably about 7%-9%, which causes the product to be extremely hydrophilic. The attractant is selected according to mollusc preferences. Examples are .0 molasses, beer, milk, blood, shrimp, digestible carbohydrates, nuts, fish, vegetable extracts, dry or liquid. The pellets may be used in both urban and rural settings, around buildings, including homes, in agricultural settings, such as barns, grain bins, and animal quarters. Definitions of the specific embodiments of the invention as claimed herein follow. According to a first embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for [5 inducing death in molluscs comprising the steps of: providing a material at a location where mollusc control is desired, said material comprising at least about 49% crushed corn cob wherein said material does not include a conventional molluscicide and does not include beet pulp; and inducing significant disruption of the physiology of the molluscs by ingestion of the 20 material by the molluscs. providing a material at a location where mollusc control is desired, said material comprising at least about 49% crushed corn cob wherein said material does not include a conventional molluscicide and does not include beet pulp; and inducing significant disruption of the physiology of the molluscs by ingestion of the 25 material by the molluscs. According to a second embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for inducing death in molluscs comprising the steps of: exposing molluscs to a material comprising at least about 49% corn cob and a structural carbohydrate selected from the group of hay, straw, seed husks, seed chaff, coconut coir fiber, 30 sisal fiber, coconut shells, nut shells, cotton fibers, cereal seed chaff legume seed pods, sugar 6 cane bagasse and combinations thereof, wherein said material does not include a conventional molluscicide, and does not include beet pulp; and inducing disruption of the physiology of the mollusc by ingestion of the material by the mollusc. 5 According to a third embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for inducing death in molluscs comprising the steps of: exposing molluscs to a material comprising at least about 98% corn cob and no more than 1% molasses, wherein said material does not include a conventional molluscicide; and inducing significant disruption of the physiology of the molluscs by ingestion of the 0 material by the molluscs. According to a fourth embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for inducing death in molluscs comprising the steps of: exposing molluscs to a material comprising at least about 49% corn cob and a structural carbohydrate selected from the group of hay, straw, seed husks, seed chaff coconut coir fiber, 5 sisal fiber, coconut shells, nut shells, cotton fibers, cereal seed chaff, legume seed pods, sugar cane bagasse and combinations thereof wherein said material does not include a conventional molluscicide, and does not include beet pulp; and inducing intestinal dysfunction of the molluscs by ingestion of the material by the molluscs. !0 According to a fifth embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for disrupting natural metabolic processes in a mollusc comprising the steps of: exposing the mollusc to a material comprising: (a) at least about 49% corn cob, (b) a mixture made up of a structural carbohydrate selected from the group 25 consisting of hay, straw, seed husks, seed chaff, coconut coir fiber, sisal fiber, coconut shells, nut shells, cotton fibers, cereal seed chaff, legume seed pods, sugar cane bagasse and combinations thereof, and (c) an attractant, wherein said material does not include a conventional molluscicide, and does not include beet 30 pulp; and inducing intestinal dysfunction of the mollusc by ingestion of the material by the mollusc. 6a According to a sixth embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for inducing death in molluscs comprising the steps of: exposing molluscs to a material comprising at least about 49% corn cob and a structural carbohydrate selected from the group of hay, straw, seed husks, seed chaff coconut coir fiber, 5 sisal fiber, coconut shells, nut shells, cotton fibers, cereal seed chaff, legume seed pods, sugar cane bagasse and combinations thereof, wherein said material does not include a conventional molluscicide, and does not include beet pulp; and inducing impairment of osmoregulation of the molluscs by ingestion of the material by the molluscs. 0 According to a seventh embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for disrupting natural metabolic processes in a mollusc comprising the steps of: exposing the mollusc to a material comprising (a) at least about 49% corn cob, (b) a mixture made up of a structural carbohydrate selected from the group .5 consisting of hay, straw, seed husks, seed chaff, coconut coir fiber, sisal fiber, coconut shells, nut shells, cotton fibers, cereal seed chaff, legume seed pods, sugar cane bagasse and combinations thereof, and (c) an attractant, wherein said material does not include a conventional molluscicide, and does not include beet !0 pulp; and inducing impairment of osmoregulation of the mollusc by ingestion of the material by the mollusc. According to an eighth embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for disrupting natural metabolic processes in a mollusc comprising the steps of: 25 exposing the mollusc to a material comprising: (a) at least about 49% corn cob, (b) a mixture made up of a structural carbohydrate selected from the group consisting of hay, straw, seed husks, seed chaff, coconut coir fiber, sisal fiber, coconut shells, nut shells, cotton fibers, cereal seed chaff, legume seed pods, 30 sugar cane bagasse and combinations thereof, and (c) an attractant, 6b wherein said material does not include a conventional molluscicide, and does not include beet pulp; and inducing disruption of the physiology of the mollusc by ingestion of the material by the mollusc. 5 According to a ninth embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for disrupting natural metabolic processes in a mollusc comprising the steps of: exposing the mollusc to a material comprising (a) at least about 49% corn cob, (b) a buffering agent, and 0 (c) an attractant, wherein said material does not include a conventional molluscicide; and inducing disruption of the physiology of the mollusc by ingestion of the material by the mollusc. According to a tenth embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for 5 inducing death in a mollusc comprising the steps of: exposing the mollusc to a material selected from a material comprising: at least about 96% corn cob, at least about 1% molasses, at least about 1% beer and at least about 0.1% citric acid; at least about 49% by weight crushed corncobs and about 2% by weight of a 0 mixture of molasses and beer; about 49% by weight of crushed corncobs, about 49% by weight rye straw, and about 2% by weight of a mixture of molasses and beer; about 49% by weight of crushed corncobs, about 49% by weight coir fiber, and about 2% by weight of a mixture of molasses and beer; 25 about 49% by weight of crushed corncobs, about 49% by weight cotton fiber, and about 2% by weight of a mixture of molasses and beer; about 49% by weight of crushed corncobs, about 49% by weight wheat straw, and about 2% by weight of a mixture of molasses and beer; about 49% by weight of crushed corncobs, about 49% by weight rice straw, and 30 about 2% by weight of a mixture of molasses and beer; about 49% by weight of crushed corncobs, about 49% by weight oats straw, and about 2% by weight of a mixture of molasses and beer; 6c about 49% by weight of crushed corncobs, about 49% by weight millet fiber, and about 2% by weight of a mixture of molasses and beer; or about 49% by weight of crushed corncobs, about 49% by weight barley straw, and about 2% by weight of a mixture of molasses and beer; 5 wherein said material does not include a conventional molluscicide; and inducing significant disruption of the physiology of the mollusc by ingestion of the material by the mollusc. Description of a Preferred Embodiment One example of a preferred composition is produced by preparing a substantially dry 0 base of a plant derived structural carbohydrates rich in cellulose and/or hemi cellulose and/or lignin, such as crushed corncobs, without kernels, and 1% by weight of molasses as a mollusc attractant and binder. The kernels are first removed from the corncobs in a mill. The cores of the corncobs are then drilled to recover a powder used for other purposes. The remains of the cobs are then crushed to various U.S. sieve sizes so as to be easily pelletized. The crushed .5 corncobs are dried to a preferential moisture level of between about 7% and about 9% moisture, by weight. The dried particles are then mixed thoroughly with molasses. The mixture is formed into pellets in a pelletizing mill, such as a Scott Pellet Mill. The molasses acts both as a binder and a sweet attractant. [Text continues on page 7.] 6d WO 2006/007353 PCT/US2005/020352 Additional materials may be added to further enhance the product efficacy can also be added at this time including without limitation: mineral and organic salts of metals (that increase the efficacy of the preparation by increasing mollusc mortality by introducing a second mode of mortality; namely metabolic poisons); anti-weathering agents (that increase 5 the rain fastness of the product); colorants (that make the product less attractive to birds hence resulting in less non-target loss); pH stabilizers (that maintain the pH over the shelf life period of the product); preservatives (that prevent microbial spoilage); adjuvants (that increase the uptake and/or contact adhesion to the mollusc of the preparation); complexing agents (that increase uptake of the active materials in or on the mollusc); buffering agents 10 (that maintain the preparation at the optimal pH); flow agents (that assist in the flowability of the material when dispensed by machine); anti-clumping agents (that reduce product to product adhesion); humectants (moisture retaining agents); and other hydrophilic polymers (water absorbing polymers that increase the water absorbing efficiency); inorganic acids (that act as buffering agents); organic acids (that act as buffering agents); inorganic salts (buffering 15 agents); hydrophobic coating polymers (to protect the product from free moisture), wax coatings (anti-weathering agents), organic salts (buffering agents); clays (filling agents and flow agents);silica (irritant for molluscs); diamataceous earths (mollusc irritants); plant extracts (irritants, feeding enhancers, and toxicants); microbial agents (biological molluscacides), and combinations thereof. The pellets are distributed in locations where the 20 molluscs are active. Over a period of several days, the molluscs die after consuming the pellets. The material preparations used in this invention for mollusc control can be formed into shapes other than pellets. Further, other carbohydrates and/or proteins and/or fats and/or oils and/or attractants can be used, such as honey, chocolate, blood plasma, peanut butter, 7 WO 2006/007353 PCT/US2005/020352 fish, beer, milk, synthetic colorings and flavorings, and other similar materials. The pellets may be coated with a paraffin or polymer coating to protect the composition from contact with water. The pellets are placed in areas where there is evidence of mollusc activity. The pellets are replenished as needed until signs of mollusc activity cease. For example, the 5 common garden snail (Helix aspersa Muller) requires the use of about 2-4oz. (50-100 grams) in piles in areas of maximum mollusc activity. Alternatively, the material can be broadcast at rates of 1-lb. per 100 to 1000 square feet (9 M 2 to 9.5 M 2 ). The mortality inducing properties may be enhanced by adding such naturally occurring non-toxic substances as Kaolinite, gypsum, borates, diamataceous earth, and plant 10 extracts. These materials will further enhance the mortality inducing properties of the' preparation by providing a synergistic secondary mode of molluscacidal action. As with many natural products, when applied alone their efficacy is less than conventional poisons, in particular they tend to take longer to kill moluscs. However when two or more of these natural substances are combined with the subject of this invention the overall performance is 15 improved. Materials such as pH stabilizers, colorants, preservatives, and anti-weathering agents, may be added to improve storability, provide for better rain fastness and maintain the products constitution. Combining the materials with molluscopathogenic microbes, nematodes and/or, protozoans can further enhance the preparation by introducing a second mode of action to the preparation; in this case microbial molluscacides. 20 Example 1 (extracting): Procedure: Treatment groups of 20 wild collected common garden snails (size range 15g to 50g) were placed in a well aerated plastic container and maintained at 100% relative humidity. Total animal mass per replicate (20 animals) was adjusted at the beginning of the experiment to within 10% of each other. The animals were acclimatized for three days and 8 WO 2006/007353 PCT/US2005/020352 fed ad libitum dandelion leaves during the period. After the third day, the garden snails were exposed to the following treatments by placing the preparations in their enclosure in quantities of 100g. Bait was renewed every 5 days. Each treatment was replicated 5 times. 1. A preparation of crushed corncobs, pelletized to 1/8th inch, no attractants. 5 2. A preparation of crushed corncobs prepared to a coarse grind (crumb size +/ 1-8 mm), no attractants. 3. Same preparation as 1 above, but with 0.5 % iron sulfate incorporated into the preparation. 4. Same preparation as 1 above, but with 0.5% aluminum sulfate incorporated 10 into the preparation. 5. Same preparation as 3 above, but with 0.1 % citric acid incorporated into the preparation as a pH stabilizer. 6. Same preparation as 1 above, but with 10 % gypsum added as a filling agent. 7. Same preparation as 5 above, but with 10 % gypsum added as a filling agent is 8. Same preparation as 4 above, but with 0.1% citric acid added as a pH stabilizer. 9. Conventional Molluscacide (metaldehyde). 10. A preparation of crushed corncobs, pelletized to 1/8th inch, with molasses added. 20 11. Control (fed dandelion leaves). 9 WO 2006/007353 PCT/US2005/020352 Experiment 1, conducted February 2003. Results: Treatment %Mort @ 3 %Mort. @ 5 %Mort @ %Mort @ %Mean wt loss days days 10 days 15 days @ death. 1 0 5 60 70* 15* 2 0 6 70 75 18* 3 0 0 85* 95** 7 4 0 5 90* 90* 8 5 0 0 85* 90* 7 6 0 0 65* 90* 17* 7 0 0 55 60* 12* 8 10 15 90* 100** 8 9 0 20 80* 100** 4 10 0 0 75* 95** 24* 11 0 0 10 10 3 * Significant result at P= 0.01, **Significant result at P= 0.001 according to the standard students t-Test. 5 Value followed by the same symbol are not significantly different from one another. Example 2 Procedure: Treatment groups of 25 wild collected common garden slugs (size range 3 g -7 g) were placed in a well aerated plastic container and maintained at 100 % R.H. Total 10 animal mass per replicate (20 animals) was adjusted at the beginning of the experiment to within 10 % on each other. The animals were acclimatized for three days and fed ad libitun dandelion leaves during the period. After the third day, the garden slugs were exposed to the following treatments by placing the preparations in their enclosure in quantities of 100g. Bait was renewed every 5 days. Each treatment was replicated 4 times. 10 WO 2006/007353 PCT/US2005/020352 1. A preparation of crushed corncobs, pelletized to 1

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8 th inch, no attractants. 2. Same preparation as 1 but with 0.5 % iron sulfate incorporated into the preparation. 5 3. Same preparation as 1 but with 0.5% aluminum sulfate incorporated into the preparation. 4 Same preparation as 2 two but with 0.1 % citric acid incorporated into the preparation as a pH stabilizer. 5. Same preparation as 1 but with 10 % gypsum added as a filling agent. 10 6. Same preparation as 4 but with 10 % gypsum added as a filling agent 7. Same preparation as 3 but with 0.1% citric acid added as a pH stabilizer. 8. Conventional Molluscacide (metaldehyde) 9 A preparation of crushed corncobs, pelletized to 1/8th inch, molasses added. 15 10. Control (fed Dandelion leaves). 11 WO 2006/007353 PCT/US2005/020352 Experiment 1 conducted April, 2003. Results: Treatment %Mort @ 3 days %Mort. @ 5 days %Mort @ 10 %Mort @ 15 days days 1 0 25 45* 70* 2 0 30 80* 95** 3 0 15 90* 90** 4 0 10 100* 100** 5 0 30 55* 80* 6 0 40 55* 65* 7 10 45 90* 100** 8 0 25 80* 100** 9, 0 45 75* 95** 10, 0 0 10 10 *Significant result at P= 0.01, **Significant result at P= 0.001 according to the standard student T-Test. 5 Value followed by the same symbol are not significantly different from one another. 12 WO 2006/007353 PCT/US2005/020352 Experiment 2(repeat of experiment 1 in example 2), Conducted May, 2003 Results: Treatment %Mort @ 3 %Mort. @ 5 %Mort @ %Mort @ %Mean wt loss days days 10 days 15 days death. 1 0 0 25 60* 9 2 0 0 15 95* 10 3 0 0 40 90* 18 4 0 0 45 90* 11 5 0 0 20 90* 14 6 0 0 60 60* 21 7 0 0 35 85* 23 8 0 0 45 80* 14 9 0 0 65 75* 14 10 0 0 0 0 n/a * Significant result at P= 0.05 according to the Students T-test. Value followed by the same symbol are not significantly different from one another. 5 Results: All treatments were comparable to the control levels achieved with a conventional molluscacide. Example 3: Procedure: Plant derived structural carbohydrate sources were tested alone and in mixtures of 10 varying proportions to assess the effects of these materials and mixtures on mollusc (garden snails) mortality. Treatments and replicates were standardized according to procedures in example 1. The materials were individually pulverized and then mixed together according to weight percentages. No additional materials were added. The preparations were dried to a level of 7%-9% moisture by weight and applied in the in the particulate form. 13 WO 2006/007353 PCT/US2005/020352 The Affect on Mollusc Mortality of Spent Grain and Other Sources Of Plant Derived Structural Carbohydrates Mixed With Corn Cob Percentage Mix Material TI T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 Corn Cob 98 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 Rye straw 49 Coir fiber 49 Cotton fiber 49 Wheat straw 49 Rice straw 49 Oats straw 49 Millet fiber 49 Barley straw 49 % Mortality at 1 week 25 0 10 0 20 35 0 0 15 % Mortality at 2 weeks 80 55 45 35 30 75 55 40 20 5 An attractants was used in all treatments composed of 2% mixture of molasses and beer. Example 4: 10 Field tests of a Preparation of crushed corncobs with the following additives: 1% molasses; 1% beer; 0.5% aluminum sulfate; 0.1% citric acid. A naturally occurring population of garden snails and slugs were discovered in Reedley, California on dandelions in a residential garden. The above mentioned preparation was placed on trays (10 trays, 100g per tray) and observed for evidence of slug and snail 15 feeding during the night. Counts were made on the feeding trays every third night. 14 Results: Mean number of Day 3 Day 10 Day 15 Day 20 Molluscs observed nightly on the feeding trays: Slugs 4 7 2 2 Garden Snails 5 4 3 0 The preparation appears to be highly palatable to common garden mollusc pests, and the results of these trials would indicate that the embodiment of this invention has the ability to 5 control these molluscs. It is to be understood that variations and modifications of the present invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof. It is also to be understood that the present invention is not to be limited by the specific embodiments disclosed herein. Definitions 10 The term "comprise" and variants of the term such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used herein to denote the inclusion of a stated integer or stated integers but not to exclude any other integer or any other integers, unless in the context or usage an exclusive interpretation of the term is required. Any reference to publications cited in this specification is not an admission that the 15 disclosures constitute common general knowledge in Australia. 15

Claims

1. A method for inducing death in molluscs comprising the steps of: providing a material at a location where mollusc control is desired, said material comprising at least about 49% crushed corn cob wherein said material does not include a 5 conventional molluscicide and does not include beet pulp; and inducing significant disruption of the physiology of the molluscs by ingestion of the material by the molluscs.

2. A method for inducing death in molluscs comprising the steps of: exposing molluscs to a material comprising at least about 49% corn cob and a structural 0 carbohydrate selected from the group of hay, straw, seed husks, seed chaff, coconut coir fiber, sisal fiber, coconut shells, nut shells, cotton fibers, cereal seed chaff legume seed pods, sugar cane bagasse and combinations thereof, wherein said material does not include a conventional molluscicide, and does not include beet pulp; and inducing disruption of the physiology of the mollusc by ingestion of the material by the 5 mollusc.

3. The method of claim 2 comprising the further step of drying the material to a moisture content of between about 0.5% and about 90% before exposure to said molluscs.

4. The method of claim 2 comprising the further steps of binding particles of the material together with a binding agent and an attractant, and extruding the material into a block form 0 before exposure to said molluscs.

5. The method of claim 2 comprising the further steps of binding particles of the material together with a binding agent and an attractant, and then pelletizing the material before exposure to said molluscs.

6. The method of claim 2 comprising the further steps of binding particles of the material 25 together with a binding agent and an attractant, and then formulating the material into one of the group of: granule, powder, slurry and bait block, before exposure to said molluscs.

7. The method of claim 2 comprising the further steps of mixing said structural carbohydrate in ranges from about 1% to about 51% and drying said mixture to a moisture content of between about 0.5% and about 25% before exposure to said molluscs. 16

8. The method of claim 7 comprising the further step of drying said mixture to a moisture content of between about 1% and about 10% before exposure to said molluscs.

9. A method for inducing death in molluscs comprising the steps of: exposing molluscs to a material comprising at least about 98% corn cob and no more 5 than 1% molasses, wherein said material does not include a conventional molluscicide; and inducing significant disruption of the physiology of the molluscs by ingestion of the material by the molluscs.

10. A method for inducing death in molluscs comprising the steps of: exposing molluscs to a material comprising at least about 49% corn cob and a structural 0 carbohydrate selected from the group of hay, straw, seed husks, seed chaff coconut coir fiber, sisal fiber, coconut shells, nut shells, cotton fibers, cereal seed chaff, legume seed pods, sugar cane bagasse and combinations thereof wherein said material does not include a conventional molluscicide, and does not include beet pulp; and inducing intestinal dysfunction of the molluscs by ingestion of the material by the 5 molluscs.

11. A method for disrupting natural metabolic processes in a mollusc comprising the steps of: exposing the mollusc to a material comprising: (a) at least about 49% corn cob, 0 (b) a mixture made up of a structural carbohydrate selected from the group consisting of hay, straw, seed husks, seed chaff, coconut coir fiber, sisal fiber, coconut shells, nut shells, cotton fibers, cereal seed chaff, legume seed pods, sugar cane bagasse and combinations thereof, and (c) an attractant, 25 wherein said material does not include a conventional molluscicide, and does not include beet pulp; and inducing intestinal dysfunction of the mollusc by ingestion of the material by the mollusc.

12. A method for inducing death in molluscs comprising the steps of: 30 exposing molluscs to a material comprising at least about 49% corn cob and a structural carbohydrate selected from the group of hay, straw, seed husks, seed chaff coconut coir fiber, 17 sisal fiber, coconut shells, nut shells, cotton fibers, cereal seed chaff, legume seed pods, sugar cane bagasse and combinations thereof, wherein said material does not include a conventional molluscicide, and does not include beet pulp; and inducing impairment of osmoregulation of the molluscs by ingestion of the material by 5 the molluscs.

13. A method for disrupting natural metabolic processes in a mollusc comprising the steps of: exposing the mollusc to a material comprising (a) at least about 49% corn cob, 0 (b) a mixture made up of a structural carbohydrate selected from the group consisting of hay, straw, seed husks, seed chaff, coconut coir fiber, sisal fiber, coconut shells, nut shells, cotton fibers, cereal seed chaff, legume seed pods, sugar cane bagasse and combinations thereof, and (c) an attractant, 5 wherein said material does not include a conventional molluscicide, and does not include beet pulp; and inducing impairment of osmoregulation of the mollusc by ingestion of the material by the mollusc.

14. A method for disrupting natural metabolic processes in a mollusc comprising the steps 0 of: exposing the mollusc to a material comprising: (a) at least about 49% corn cob, (b) a mixture made up of a structural carbohydrate selected from the group consisting of hay, straw, seed husks, seed chaff, coconut coir fiber, sisal fiber, 25 coconut shells, nut shells, cotton fibers, cereal seed chaff, legume seed pods, sugar cane bagasse and combinations thereof, and (c) an attractant, wherein said material does not include a conventional molluscicide, and does not include beet pulp; and 30 inducing disruption of the physiology of the mollusc by ingestion of the material by the mollusc.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein said attractant also acts as a binder. 18

16. The method of claim 14 wherein said attractant is selected from the group consisting of molasses, maple sugar, cottonseed meal, anise, garlic, nutmeg, licorice, vanilla, synthetic and natural flavoring agents, cane syrup, corn syrup, oils, gypsum, lime, fats, proteins, carbohydrates, alginates, gums, malt sugar, beet molasses, cane molasses, honey, bone meal, 5 beer, ales, chocolate, peanut buffer, nuts, shrimp, fish, blood plasma, blood meal, milk, and combinations thereof.

17. The method of claim 14 comprising the further step of providing said material in a form selected from the group consisting of crushed, milled, powdered, granulated and pelletized preparations. 0

18. The method of claim 14 comprising the further step of drying said material so that it has a moisture content of between about 0.5% and about 25%, before exposure to said mollusc.

19. The method of claim 14 wherein said material further comprises between about 1% and about 25% molasses by weight as an attractant.

20. The method of claim 14 wherein said material further comprises up to about 2% beer as 5 an attractant.

21. A method for disrupting natural metabolic processes in a mollusc comprising the steps of: exposing the mollusc to a material comprising (a) at least about 49% corn cob, .0 (b) a buffering agent, and (c) an attractant, wherein said material does not include a conventional molluscicide; and inducing disruption of the physiology of the mollusc by ingestion of the material by the mollusc. 25

22. The method of claim 21 wherein said buffering agent is selected from the group consisting of organic acids, inorganic acids, organic salts, inorganic salts and combinations thereof.

23. A method for inducing death in a mollusc comprising the steps of: exposing the mollusc to a material selected from a material comprising: 19 at least about 96% corn cob, at least about I% molasses, at least about 1% beer and at least about 0.1% citric acid; at least about 49% by weight crushed corncobs and about 2% by weight of a mixture of molasses and beer; 5 about 49% by weight of crushed corncobs, about 49% by weight rye straw, and about 2% by weight of a mixture of molasses and beer; about 49% by weight of crushed corncobs, about 49% by weight coir fiber, and about 2% by weight of a mixture of molasses and beer; about 49% by weight of crushed corncobs, about 49% by weight cotton fiber, 0 and about 2% by weight of a mixture of molasses and beer; about 49% by weight of crushed corncobs, about 49% by weight wheat straw, and about 2% by weight of a mixture of molasses and beer; about 49% by weight of crushed corncobs, about 49% by weight rice straw, and about 2% by weight of a mixture of molasses and beer; 5 about 49% by weight of crushed corncobs, about 49% by weight oats straw, and about 2% by weight of a mixture of molasses and beer; about 49% by weight of crushed corncobs, about 49% by weight millet fiber, and about 2% by weight of a mixture of molasses and beer; or about 49% by weight of crushed corncobs, about 49% by weight barley straw, 0 and about 2% by weight of a mixture of molasses and beer; wherein said material does not include a conventional molluscicide; and inducing significant disruption of the physiology of the mollusc by ingestion of the material by the mollusc. Date: 20 April 2011 20